Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower

Transform your comfort food game with this irresistible recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower, a wholesome twist on a timeless classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni and nutrient-packed cauliflower florets, this dish is smothered in a velvety, three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for an indulgent flavor profile. A hint of ground mustard and paprika elevates the taste while a crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish, this baked mac and cheese is ready in just 45 minutes and sure to become a family favorite. Elevate your pasta night with this creamy, cheesy, and secretly veggie-packed comfort food today!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Add the ground mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni and cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 11

Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1458.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3387.0

Total Fat 186.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 107.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 539.4mg	0%
Sodium 5191.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 258.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 38.0g
Protein 176.0g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 3985.9mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 1470.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.2%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 30.2%